How can I make a simple chest of drawers look expensive and detailed?

PAM
by PAM
I would like to know if anyone could advise on how to create a more detailed piece of furniture, one with "embossed, carved out" and embellished edges or trimmings. I have an old, very basic and plain chest of drawers which I would like to jazz up to resemble something old, elaborate and expensive. I especially want to use black, silver and grey paint using an antique painting technique. PLEASE help, I am a REAL beginner!!
  9 answers
  • LoriKindler LoriKindler on May 09, 2016
    you can buy inexpensive trim at a big box store and add "inside frames" to the doors - Within the frame you can decoupage vintage fabrics or that heavy wallpaper and then paint it. The trim is so thin it would be easy to hand cut.
  • Toni Toni on May 09, 2016
    You can also find some old glass or ceramic knobs to replace the hardware on it.
  • Winnie Conners Winnie Conners on May 09, 2016
    Go to Michael's or other stores and buy small wood design pieces to glue on - looks like carved wood additions when painted over.
  • Pauliegirl1 Pauliegirl1 on May 09, 2016
    You could also get a wood burner tool, they are under $20.00 if not cheaper?? Draw your design, or you could even trace it, (color the BACK of picture/design with chalk, tape it on ur piece, then trace) go over it with your burner tool, paint in your colors.....BOOM!!! Should be fun!!! There are all kinds of stencils with unique curves and curls too. Be sure to post!!
  • J.b. kelly J.b. kelly on May 09, 2016
    add a coat of gel stain by minwax ,makes the finis so much richer looking, or paint the bureau and add wallpaper to the fronts of the drawers .also check out bhg .they did a piece on c,hanging a basic bureau 4 different ways
  • Patricia Patricia on May 12, 2016
    This sounds like a fun project! You can really dress it up with some furniture appliques. Home Depot or Lowe's carry a limited supply in the stores in my area, but I've found online businesses that have a wonderful selection. The wood appliques can get expensive, so if you're looking for a more cost effective alternative, try Etsy for resin furniture appliques.
  • Kelley MacKay Kelley MacKay on May 16, 2016
    one easy way is to get a stencil that you like and use durhams putty or spackle fill in the stencil. Pull off and let dry. You can paint it Or put paint in putty to color it.
    • See 1 previous
    • Kelley MacKay Kelley MacKay on May 17, 2016
      I did this quickly for you to give you an idea...I have never done a video before..so it's not great. I usually rough up my surface area then apply the compound. I used a box top so I could easily do it in my kitchen. I think the "double look" was because the stencil slid a little. As I said I always use a spray adhesive on the back of my stencils to hold in place.
  • Kelley MacKay Kelley MacKay on May 17, 2016
    Hi Pam, you can use bondo, spackling (wall compound), anything that will dry hard. I roughed up my surface to make sure it had grit, not sure if that is necessary...I use a stencil, putty knife, and the compound. I did this quick video to give you an idea. (I have never done a video b4 so bear with me). I used a box top so I could easily do it in my kitchen. I think the "double look" was because the stencil slid a little. As I said, I use spray adhesive on the back when I'm using stencils on furniture to keep them in place. Also in the video, I was a bit messy and go the compound outside the stencil area (which I would be more careful if I was doing on a piece of furniture). Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
  • PAM PAM on May 26, 2019

    Hi Kelley, I do hope that you are keeping well! I was browsing through my questions and answers and noted that somehow I forgot to thank you even more for all of your effort that you went just to assist me (re: your little video tutorial and for being willing to get messy in your kitchen!)   It was truly so much appreciated and very special. THANK YOU!! And also a BIG THANK YOU to all of you other kind ladies. Unfortunately this type of thing very seldom happens in my country! Furthermore you guys all over the world are so fortunate to be able to get all the amazing DIY/CRAFT supplies, (quite inexpensively too) especially all the various stores there that specialize in these type of materials. The materials here are VERY EXPENSIVE AND VERY DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN. Keep up with all your good work and amazing crafts/DIY's!! Tons of best wishes.